And, that's the only way to actually get something out of Medium. I've had a profile on Medium since something like 2015. But, I didn't get a membership because I knew it wouldn't ever be an income source. I finally made the jump to membership and becoming a partner because I read wonderful writers like you with the meager handful of free reads you get of partner-writing. I felt like these writers were helping me grow as a writing by making their work accessibl. And, I wanted to read more – especially after cataract surgeries restored my sight. I'd seen enough honest assessments of the payout that I was fairly confident I would at least earn back my membership fee. I joined back in the middle of March and have already done that.

Honestly, anyone who comes here expecting more than that is duping themselves.